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North Korea Reopens to Western Tourists After Extended Closure
This week marked the reopening of North Korea to Western tourists, a significant shift following several years of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors from the West can now participate in tours specifically to the Rason Special Economic Zone, located at the northeastern tip of the country, near the borders with China and Russia.
On Thursday, Rowan Beard from Young Pioneer Tours led one of the inaugural tour groups allowed entry. This group was diverse, consisting of tourists from several countries, including the UK, Australia, Jamaica, and Germany. Beard noted a heightened interest in travel to North Korea, in part due to the lengthy closure.
According to Beard, while some tourists are eager to immerse themselves in North Korean culture and history, others are motivated by the desire to simply visit one of the few remaining destinations on their travel lists. “For some, North Korea is the last country to tick off,” he explained. Additionally, there were attendees who had personal connections to communist history, such as one couple from Romania who visited for nostalgia regarding their upbringing.
Beard’s tour marked his first visit to North Korea since it was shuttered to international arrivals. Just a week prior, he made an exploratory trip to assess conditions in Rason, which offered crucial insights for potential travelers. He emphasized the logistical challenges in facilitating tours, with limited accommodations, English-speaking guides, and available transportation, impacting the number of tourists who can be welcomed at any given time.
Looking ahead, another tour has been scheduled for March 2, with 26 participants already booked. Beard reported that the North Korean government has yet to establish a cap on the number of foreign tourists but acknowledged the logistical difficulties limiting the inflow.
Notably, travel to North Korea remains fraught with risks, especially for American citizens. The US State Department issued a travel ban in September 2017 and has regularly updated advisories urging against travel due to severe risks of arrest and prolonged detention for US nationals. In contrast, Russian tourists have been able to travel to North Korea since early 2024, and Pyongyang has remained open to them, although it still restricts entry to most other foreign nationals.
Tourists in North Korea face strict regulations; they must be accompanied by guides at all times and are only permitted to photograph predefined locations. The tourism sector has been a vital contributor to North Korea’s economy, serving as a significant source of foreign currency amid ongoing international sanctions.
Furthermore, the anticipated opening of the Wonsan-Kalma beach resort later this year is generating buzz, particularly among potential Russian visitors, who are being actively targeted in promotional campaigns.
For additional insights, see the original article on Business Insider.
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